Is the second-born twin at high risk?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcome of the second-born twin with that of the first twin and to find out whether there were any differences and the reason for such differences, if any, and how to improve those differences.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed twin deliveries from the 15th of April, 1994 to the 14th of April, 1996. Excluded were twins weighing < 500 gm, either twin with a lethal malformation, and either twin who died before the onset of labour. After this exclusion 246 twin pairs remained in the study. We compared perinatal mortality and 5-minute Apgar scores for both twins.


RESULTS
Perinatal mortality was similar for both twins as well as 5-minute Apgar scores. The twins < 1500 gm appeared at special risk. The mode of delivery had no influence on the perinatal outcome of either twin.


CONCLUSIONS
The second-born twin may not be at increased risk of complications compared with the first-born twin and caesarean delivery may not improve this outcome.
el-Jallad
M F
MF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Abu-Heija
A T
AT
Ziadeh
S
S
Obeidat
A
A
D001034:Apgar Score; D001722:Birth Order; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007746:Labor Presentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014427:Twins